How to support loved ones with breast cancer
Personal experience and resources
My personal experience with breast cancer makes me passionate about this issue. There are many people that can speak about this personally or have family members that can. I am a family member of someone that passed away from breast cancer who was my mother. There are no words to explain how painful it is to lose someone to breast cancer. My mom was only 52 when she passed away and that is a tragedy in itself. There are many reasons for this but one being that there was a lack of resources to her. She was being treated at one of the most known cancer centers In the U.S and she still did not have enough resources for her to be treated well. Knowing where to find resources is an important part of the process of going through breast cancer. There are some organizations that help pay bills for people with breast cancer. The first one that comes to mind is the Komen Financial Assistance Program to eligible individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment at any stage or living with metastatic breast cancer (stage IV), the most advanced stage of breast cancer. Financial assistance is available to those who meet pre-determined eligibility criteria. There’s is a website as well that provides different resources for different things regarding challenges that come with battling breast cancer aside from only treatment. The name of the website is breastcancer.org. The americanlifefund.com also helps patients financially who are diagnosed with cancer. Planned parenthood also offers mammograms for a significantly discounted price. Personally I know these are resources that would have been helpful for me to share with my mom.
How to support family members going through Breast Cancer
Many people have the question of how to support the person going through breast cancer. Personally it was very hard to stay positive for me ,but what helped my mom was reminding her how beautiful she was despite everything. Something important that family members and friends of patients have to realize that we are not in control of anything regarding outcomes. We can control our attitude about the situation because it is not beneficial to have negative energy and a bad attitude about treatment. Having hope helps the person going through it be more positive. Offer to take things of their plate ,but not to the point to where you treat them like they are fragile even if they are. They are still people with feelings that do not want to be treated like they are dying. It is important to not take anything for granted and make memories no matter what happens. On the other side of things, supporting a family member who is going through breast cancer can be a challenging and emotionally demanding experience.
Here are some ways to provide meaningful support:
Be a good listener: Let your family member talk about their feelings, fears, and concerns. Offer a listening ear without judgment, and allow them to express themselves.
Educate yourself: Learn about breast cancer, its treatments, and potential side effects. This will help you better understand what your family member is going through and allow you to provide informed support.
Accompany them to medical appointments: Offer to attend doctor's appointments with your family member. This can provide emotional support and help ensure that important information is not overlooked or misunderstood.
Help with research: Assist in researching treatment options, clinical trials, or support groups. This can help your family member make informed decisions about their care.
Offer practical assistance: Provide help with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, or childcare. This can alleviate some of the stress and fatigue that often comes with cancer treatment.
Be there emotionally:Be a source of emotional support. Let your family member know that you are there for them, and encourage open communication about their feelings.
Respect their privacy: While offering support, also respect your family member's need for privacy and personal space. Some individuals may want to discuss their condition openly, while others may prefer to keep it private.
Help them maintain a routine: Encourage your family member to maintain a sense of normalcy in their daily life, as much as possible. This can contribute to their emotional well-being.
Assist with transportation: Offer rides to and from treatment appointments or other places your family member needs to go. Cancer treatment often involves frequent medical visits.
Encourage self-care: Remind your family member to take care of themselves physically and mentally. This might include encouraging them to eat well, exercise (if possible), and engage in relaxation techniques.
Be patient: Understand that your family member may experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression. Be patient and understanding during these difficult times.
Offer to help with paperwork: Assist with medical paperwork, insurance claims, and financial matters, as these can be overwhelming for someone dealing with cancer.
Provide distraction and entertainment: Offer to spend time with your family member doing activities they enjoy, such as watching movies, reading books, or playing games. It can help take their mind off the illness.
Seek support for yourself: Caring for a loved one with breast cancer can be emotionally challenging. Don't hesitate to seek support for yourself through friends, support groups, or counseling.
Be there for the long haul: Breast cancer treatment can be a lengthy process. Continue to offer your support and assistance throughout the entire journey, even after the initial treatments are completed.
Remember that everyone's experience with cancer is unique, so it's essential to tailor your support to your family member's specific needs and preferences. Communication is key, so ask them how you can best provide support and respect their wishes
I would like to dedicate this article to my mom Felicia Jackson-Jones who had to battle breast cancer . I love you and I miss you and I thank you for your presence in my life.
